Four-year-old B has sensory issues as well as developmental issues, particularly around communication. It was taking B a long time to fall asleep and he was often waking during the night, taking a long time to settle.
B’s mum told us “Our Paediatrician advised us to contact Cerebra for support with B’s sleep. He had already been prescribed medication to help but there were side effects to this. We weren’t sure how much more could be advised. We also have an older autistic child who struggled with sleep and so we had already done so much research and tried lots of things – but we were keen to say yes to any support we were offered. The Cerebra Sleep Team were flexible in offering an appointment that was convenient to us, which as busy working parents, we really appreciated”.
How the Sleep Team helped
Sleep Practitioner Pattie Everitt explains “the aim was to help B to be a bit calmer at bedtime and reduce issues with night waking. We discussed how sensory processing difference may affect falling asleep and what practical things the family could try to help with this. We also discussed strategies such as bedtime routine, gradual withdrawal and a regular wake up time. Good management of sensory processing issues in the day would also hopefully lead to a calmer evening.
Within a few months, things were much better – B was settling earlier and his parents had learnt how to keep him calm when needed. If he wakes in the night, he goes in with them and he will go to sleep”.
What difference has using our Sleep Service made?
Mum told us “The support we received from the Sleep Service has been incredible. So many services are limited, have long waits, discharge you before you are ready, or aren’t available without paying. With Cerebra we always felt like the service was there for us when we needed it. The factual information and personalised suggestions have been so helpful and has really helped to improve our son’s sleep. He now rarely needs medication and the whole family is more rested, with improved mental health and better relationships.
As a couple, we have not had a night away from home together in over 6 years because we never felt able to leave our sons with other people because of their poor sleep patterns. However now we have been able to plan to leave our sons with grandparents for a whole night so that we can go and get married! That would not have been possible without the changes that Cerebra has helped us to make. We are so grateful for this service.”
